Holidays are here againTopic: This is good advice
Every holiday we send this message. If things get out of control in your home find a place to stay. You should have this figured out before the holiday starts. If you have to leave your house make sure that you placed a note where you are staying where your parents can see it - pinned to your pillow or on the frig door. If you are afraid to tell your parents where you are because they might cause problems say, "Am with a friend in a safe house or I am staying with one of our relatives." If you have no place to stay perhaps it is time to talk to a school counselor, an organization such as AA, Ala-teen, or a social worker. And be good to yourself. Any place you can go bowling? Any family you can join for activities? Still feel alone? Get involved with a church or synagogue youth group. A basketball group, a music group - figure out what you like best. Do it.

As you know by now I am alway looking for good info. Those who live with a parent or parents or relatives who are alcohol and/or other drug abusers know that the holidays are always an excuse to celebrate with a favorite addiction. Here is some good advice.

Josephine Healy is a primary therapist and the assistant clinical director at Lighthouse Recovery Institute (www.lighthouserecoveryinstitute.com), a licensed drug, alcohol and mental health treatment center in Delray Beach, Fl. Here are her tips for managing depression and mental health during the holidays:

1. Have a lifeline. Make sure you have a friend or peer who is a positive support who is available for you to vent to or bounce ideas off of if situations with family get tough during the holidays.

2. Practice self-care. Be sure to take care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It is difficult to care for others and be present if you do not care for yourself first.

3. Seek professional help. If you are depressed, it is important to have a trained professional to aid in learning coping skills during stressful times, such as the holiday season.

4. Remember "no" is a complete sentence. During family or social gatherings, if a family member is prodding or asking questions that are inappropriate, you have the right to walk away from the conversation or not answer their questions.

If you think someone you know is suffering in silence, here are some things Healy recommends:

· Guide the way: Approach them as a friend and help guide them to get the help they need, Healy says. This help can be a referral to a primary care doctor, therapist, psychiatrist or mental health facility.

· Call for help: If someone is threatening their life, dial 911 and report the incident - make sure to stay with the person until the police arrive, she says. Another helpful number is the national suicide prevention hotline, which is 1-800-273-8255.

“Many people fear that someone will be angry or upset with them if they have to report someone threatening their life,” says Healy. “It is never offensive to approach someone out of concern.”